Airbags are designed to save lives. And in many cases, they do.
But when something does go wrong—an airbag deploys too forcefully, too late, or not at all—the device that’s supposed to protect you can instead leave you with serious and sometimes life-altering injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered an airbag deployment injury during a car accident, you might be facing more than just pain and recovery. You might be dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and an insurance company that doesn’t want to take your injuries seriously.
At Crosley Law, we know how devastating airbag injuries can be. We also know how to fight back to get our clients the compensation they need for short- and long-term needs. We’ll explain what to do if you’ve been injured by an airbag, what your legal options are, and how we can help.
We’re always here to discuss your case and answer questions. Call us at (210) 529-3000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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Why do airbag deployment injuries happen?
Airbags deploy with explosive force. They inflate in milliseconds, often at speeds over 150 to 200 miles per hour.
This sudden force, combined with close proximity to your body, can cause serious injuries even when the airbag works as designed. If something malfunctions, the results can be far worse.
Common causes of airbag deployment injuries include:
- Defective inflators (like those in the Takata and ARC recalls)
- Delayed or early deployment
- Failure to deploy at all
- Improper sensor readings
- Improper installation or repairs
When a crash happens, you only get one chance for the airbag to do its job right. If it fails, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Common airbag injuries we see
Airbag deployment injuries vary widely depending on your height, seating position, use of a seatbelt, and type of crash. Injuries can include:
- Facial fractures and dental injuries
- Burns from chemical residue or fabric friction
- Neck and spine injuries (including whiplash and herniated discs)
- Eye injuries and hearing damage
- Broken arms or wrists from the force of the deployment
- Traumatic brain injuries or concussions
- Internal injuries from blunt force trauma to the chest
- Death due to extreme force or malfunction
Smaller adults and children face a greater risk of severe injury because they often sit closer to the steering wheel or dashboard, where airbags deploy with the most force.
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What should you do after an airbag injury?
It’s not always easy to know whether an airbag caused or contributed to an injury during a car crash. Given that fact, you should follow similar guidelines for what to do after any type of vehicle accident.
Step 1: Get medical attention as soon as possible
The first and most important step is to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, some airbag-related injuries don’t show symptoms right away. For example, a concussion or internal bleeding might not be immediately obvious.
Getting prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also helps link your injuries directly to the crash. That’s critical for any legal claim.
Step 2: Document everything
If you’re able, try to:
- Take photos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the deployed airbag
- Get a copy of the accident report
- Save all medical records and bills
- Keep a journal of your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily life
- Note any product recalls or safety warnings about your vehicle’s airbag system
Every detail matters. The more information you have, the stronger your claim will be.
Step 3: Speak to an experienced injury attorney
At Crosley Law, we investigate every possible angle. We have the resources to gather evidence, consult with engineers and medical experts, and build a case that shows exactly how the airbag caused your injuries and how they affect your life.
Who is to blame for airbag deployment injuries?
Airbag injury cases can be legally complex. Depending on what went wrong, you may have more than one claim:
- Personal injury claim against the at-fault driver: If another driver caused the crash, you can pursue compensation through their insurance.
- Product liability claim against the manufacturer: If a defective airbag caused or worsened your injuries, you may have a separate claim against the manufacturer of the airbag or vehicle.
- Negligence claim against a repair shop: If a mechanic improperly repaired or replaced an airbag system, they may be held responsible.
What can affect the value of your settlement
When it comes to airbag injury settlements, several factors may come into play:
- The severity of your injuries and whether they require long-term care or surgery
- Whether the airbag was recalled or known to be defective
- Your percentage of fault in the crash (Texas follows a comparative fault rule in which an injured party’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility, and outright denied if fault is found to be 51% or higher)
- How clearly your medical records connect your injuries to the airbag deployment
- Whether you missed work or lost future income due to the injury
- The insurance policy limits of the at-fault parties
Because product liability cases often involve large corporations and insurers, these claims can be especially tough to win without an experienced legal team. But they can also lead to larger settlements because of the higher insurance coverage involved.
Don’t settle too soon
If you’ve been injured by an airbag, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement. But here’s the truth: they’re hoping you’ll accept it before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
Don’t let them pressure you. You have the right to take the time you need to fully understand your condition and consult with a lawyer who can protect your interests.
Crosley Law has the experience you need
We’ve handled many injury cases, including those involving well-known recalls and rare deployment failures. We know what to look for, how to use medical and legal techniques to prove your injuries were caused by the airbag, and how to fight back when insurers or manufacturers try to deny your claim.
Our team works with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and engineers to get answers. We understand the science behind these injuries and use cutting-edge tools to demonstrate the truth to a jury when needed.
If you’ve been hurt by an airbag, don’t wait. Call Crosley Law today.
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Contact Crosley Law for a free consultation
If you or someone you love has suffered an airbag-related injury in a car accident, let us help you. At Crosley Law, we believe in holding negligent parties accountable and making sure you get every dollar you’re owed.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at (210) 529-3000 or fill out the online contact form here on our website. You are under no obligation to hire us and don’t have to pay unless we reach a settlement or courtroom victory.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized guidance, speak to a qualified attorney.
